We recently connected with Michael Balko and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Life was never easy for me. To create an audience on social media, I would oftentimes walk over a mile regardless of the elements to a local gas station to use their WiFi to create content. Since then, I’ve been as resilient as can be- because I’m dedicated to ensure I don’t lose what I worked so hard to get.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the general manager of a multi-sports facility in Erie, Pennsylvania called Sinai Sports- and I’m also an NFL Analyst/Podcast Host!
Sports is my passion. I spent several years of my life working away from the sports industry- and I always felt like I needed to get back in the industry!
Being the general manager of Sinai Sports has given me an opportunity to work in the sports industry again while being able to have a direct impact on the Erie Community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important qualities I try to possess day in and day out are:
-Leadership
-Positivity
-Encouragement
Those three things are extremely important qualities to who I am as a person! Being looked at as a leader who can still posses positive attributes like positivity and encouragement is something I hold dear.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My wife.
My wife is incredible. Literally.
The amount of stress I have put this woman through is insane and for her to always be in my corner and willing to take on any adventure life my bring has been incredible!
We recently welcomed our first child to the world, Jaxton, and he’s been a huge bundle of joy and yet another reason for me to strive to be the best husband, father, and manager I can be!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sinaisportserie.com
- Instagram: @michael.balko
- Twitter: @MichaelBalkoJr
